Latest News – January 15

An Act of Selflessness: One Teddy Bear At A Time

by Brennan Ruegg, Leadville Today contributor

The practice of giving continues past the holidays in ways that don’t require standing in line or a whole lot of money. Often the simplest gestures make the biggest difference. Five-year-old Dylan Ginder demonstrated exceptional consideration of others Thursday, Jan. 7.

Dylan Ginder, 5 years old of Leadville (center), stands in front of his mother, Ashley Ginder who is surrounded members of the Leadville Police Department, Leadville/Lake County Fire Rescue and representatives from St. Vincent Hospital Ambulance Service. Dylan gave the first responders teddy bears to use in the field to help comfort children in traumatic situations. Photo: Brennan Ruegg/Leadville Today.

Dylan and his mother Ashley, friends with firemen and police officers of Leadville, got the idea to donate teddy bears to the Leadville/Lake County Fire Rescue, the Leadville Police Department, and Emergency Medical Technicians of St. Vincent Hospital, so they can in turn give them to children who are victims of crisis.

Select members of the city departments including newly christened interim Police Chief Saige Bertolas, gathered at hospital to show their thanks to Dylan, letting him sit behind the wheels of the fire truck, police cruiser and ambulance, trying out the sirens of each.

In September, Dylan took part in a Salvation Army clothing donation for victims of wildfire in California. Dylan enjoyed it so much that he kept looking for ways to help out those in need.

As a sign of their appreciation for the teddy bears, the Leadville/Lake County Fire Rescue team let Dylan sit up in the driver’s seat of the fire truck and blow the siren. Photo: Brennan Ruegg/Leadville Today.

For his fifth birthday, he requested that he receive teddy bears in lieu of presents from friends and family, which he turned over immediately to Leadville’s first responders.

He hopes to help kids involved in accidents or trauma feel better, even if it’s just a little bit. And he plans to continue for his next birthdays, until he’s given away 104 teddy bears.

That’s pretty ambitious and selfless, which are rare and special qualities to be found in a five-year-old.